New Westminster police would like to hear from anyone who witnessed an incident involving two students and a family member at New Westminster Secondary School on Friday morning.
Sgt. Andrew Leaver said the New Westminster Police Department received a call for service from staff at NWSS at about 11:20 a.m. on Friday, May 17.
“Officers rushed to the school and located a youth who had been assaulted with a weapon,” he said in a statement to the Record. “After speaking with that youth and witnesses, officers located and arrested one adult and one youth.”
According to the police department, the victim did not require the services of BC Emergency Health Services paramedics.
The NWPD is asking anyone who witnessed the incident to contact investigators to tell them what they saw.
“Additionally, photos and videos of what took place would be helpful for investigators,” Leaver said.
Investigators can be reached by calling 604-525-5411 and referencing file 24-7937.
New Westminster Schools sent out an email about the incident to parents, guardians and caregivers on Friday afternoon.
“An altercation occurred today on grounds close to New Westminster Secondary School between two students that also involved one of the party’s adult family members,” said the email. “NWSS staff contacted the NWPD to intervene as a precautionary measure, resulting in a student and their family member being taken into police custody.”
According to New Westminster Schools, the police department remained on school grounds following the arrest to attend to follow-up matters.
“We want to assure you the incident did not pose any risk to the NWSS community at large, and the school was not placed on lockdown,” stated the email.
In its email to NWSS families, the district said nearby witnesses may have captured photos or videos of the arrest, and discouraged them from being posted on social media.
“If you are aware that your child is in possession of such materials, we urge you to discourage them from sharing the photographs/footage online,” said the district’s email. “If your child witnessed the episode and has concerns, we encourage you to speak with them and/or reach out to the NWSS school office for support.”
